Debutant Kelechi Iheanacho struck a stoppage-time penalty as Celtic beat Kilmarnock 2–1 on Sunday to return to the top of the Scottish Premiership.
The match at Rugby Park was overshadowed by a 12-minute fan boycott, with supporters protesting the club’s lack of signings and an early Champions League exit to Kairat Almaty.
Daizen Maeda eased tensions with a diving header from Marcelo Saracchi’s cross, but David Watson’s late equaliser from a corner put Celtic under pressure. Kilmarnock pushed for a winner before a VAR check penalised Lewis Mayo for handball in the dying seconds.
Iheanacho, signed as a free agent after the transfer deadline, coolly converted with virtually the last kick of the game to secure three points.
“I’m delighted for the players, because all eyes were on them today,” said manager Brendan Rodgers, praising their focus despite the protests.
The victory lifted Celtic to 13 points, level with Hearts but top on goal difference.